Just before the calendar flipped to 2026, JoJo Siwa made a small change that fans noticed almost immediately.
On New Year’s Eve, the singer and dancer updated her TikTok profile name to “Joelle Siwa.” The switch appeared without explanation, but with 46 million followers watching closely, it didn’t stay quiet for long.
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Image source: Joelle Siwa/TikTok
Screenshots of the update quickly circulated on TikTok and Reddit, with fans debating whether the change signaled a new era or was simply personal.
While some were confused, longtime followers pointed out that Joelle has always been her real name. “JoJo” was a nickname that became her brand when she was younger.

Image: itsjojosiwa
One fan summed it up bluntly in the comments: her name didn’t change — people just forgot what it actually was.
The timing, however, added fuel to the conversation. Around the same time, fans noticed that Siwa’s boyfriend, Chris Hughes, had referred to her as “Joelle” in a now-expired Instagram story. That detail made the update feel deliberate rather than random.
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Image: itsjojosiwa
Siwa also posted one last TikTok before the New Year, lip-syncing to her 2016 song Boomerang. The video didn’t reveal much, but the text on screen asked, “Any plans for 2026?”
She didn’t answer directly. Instead, she let the comments fill in the blanks.
Some fans focused on the music tease. Others stayed locked on the name change. A few admitted they hadn’t realized “Joelle” was her real name at all.

JoJo Siwa/Instagram
Away from social media speculation, Siwa has been open about her relationship with Hughes. The two confirmed they were dating last summer and recently spoke about engagement during an interview with The Sun’s Fabulous Magazine.
Hughes said he doesn’t want to propose during obvious moments like holidays. Siwa joked that if he waited too long, she’d take the initiative herself. He quickly dismissed that idea.
The exchange came off as casual, but it made clear the couple has talked about the future — just not on a fixed timeline.
So far, Siwa hasn’t explained the name change. No statement. No caption. Just an update that fans noticed on their own.
Whether “Joelle” sticks publicly or stays limited to certain spaces, the timing suggests something is shifting. What exactly that is — music, image, or mindset — hasn’t been said yet.
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